Dr. Carlos Rebollón
Elbow Injury Treatment in Panama
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ELBOW INJURIES
Treatment of elbow injuries in Panama
The elbow joint is a complex structure that relies on surrounding muscles and tendons to perform proper movement. When the elbow is excessively used or sustains damage from a blunt impact, associated problems can arise, often accompanied by discomfort such as pain, inflammation, or joint stiffness. That’s why you need a specialist in elbow injuries to help you overcome your ailment. Among the most frequent elbow injuries are the following:
Elbow tendinitis
This is a specific injury mainly derived from constant sports activity, especially in sports involving rackets, throwing, or weights. It can also occur due to muscle overload, sudden movements, traumas, or in older individuals due to the common wear and tear of the elbow tendons.
Elbow Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow
Prolonged use of the joint leads to gradual deterioration of its internal structures. Over time, these damaged muscles and tendons cause pain, sensitivity, and restrictions in elbow range of motion.
Golfer's elbow
Patients with elbow tendonitis begin to notice intense pain and slight swelling in the joint, this condition is usually very painful and should be treated by a medical specialist promptly. Unlike tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inner part of the joint. It is usually caused by excessive use of the limb or repetitive activities that put tension on the fingers and wrists.
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Elbow tendinitis
Patients with elbow tendonitis begin to notice intense pain and slight swelling in the joint, this condition is usually very painful and should be treated by a medical specialist promptly. Although cases of tendinitis are easily resolved, if the patient does not make prudent use of his joint he runs the risk of relapsing back into this injury.
Symptoms of elbow tendinitis
- Stiff or immobile elbow.
- Pain that increases when the area is touched.
- Pain when the arm is at rest.
- Swelling.
- Difficulty opening and closing the hand.
- Sensation of warmth to the touch.
- Tingling or numbness of the fingers.
Epicondylitis of the elbow or Tennis Elbow
In the medical field, it is known as lateral epicondylitis, closely associated with sports activity. Tennis elbow causes significant inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow, so timely medical intervention is the best way to address this specific injury.
Symptoms of tennis elbow
- Mild, moderate or acute pain in the elbow area.
- Burning or warmth on the outside of the elbow.
- Weakness in the arm.
- Decreased grip strength.
The symptoms of epicondylitis have the particularity of developing gradually, starting with mild pain that then worsens as the days go by.
Golfer's elbow
Golfer’s elbow is a painful condition caused by damage to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bones on the inside of the elbow. The discomfort caused by golfer’s elbow is not only local, it can also progressively extend to the inside of the forearm and wrist.
On certain occasions, elbow arthroscopy may be recommended.
Symptoms of golfer's elbow
- Stiffness.
- Tenderness.
- Pain when opening or closing the fist.
- Discomfort that worsens with movement.
- Weakness in hands and wrists.
- Tingling or numbness of the fingers.
Causes of Elbow Injuries
An elbow injury can be caused by several factors, including direct traumas, sudden or abrupt movements, lifting heavy objects, repetitive movements, inflammatory diseases like arthritis, and certain sports involving violent or repetitive arm movements (tennis, baseball, etc.).
Types of Elbow Injuries
There are various types of elbow injuries that can be classified in different ways. However, we will mention some of the most common classifications:
Based on the Anatomical Part Injured
- Elbow fractures.
- Injuries to the ligaments of the elbow.
- Injuries to the tendons of the elbow.
- Elbow bursitis.
- Injuries to the nerves of the elbow.
Based on Severity
- Mild injuries: these are cases where the soft tissues of the elbow have been stretched without significant damage, such as sprains.
- Moderate injuries: these involve damage to the elbow tissues that can cause pain and inflammation, including tendinitis.
- Severe injuries: these are acute injuries with fractures or tears in the bones and/or soft tissues of the elbow, such as fractures or ligament injuries.
What to Do When Faced with an Elbow Injury?
When faced with a possible elbow injury, it is recommended to consult an orthopedic specialist or traumatologist who can examine the injury, make a diagnosis, and provide appropriate treatment to avoid compromising elbow functionality and stability.
In case of severe injuries, such as elbow fractures or dislocations, seeking specialized medical attention immediately is especially important.
In general, if there are concerning symptoms or discomfort that does not improve over time, it is best to schedule a consultation with the specialist as soon as possible.
Treatments
The initial treatment for elbow injuries may include lifestyle changes, medication for pain and inflammation relief, rest accompanied by compression and elevation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthotics. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, such as in the case of displaced fractures where bones have moved out of place and need to be realigned through surgery; or in situations of long-lasting elbow bursitis, where the affected bursa needs to be drained to alleviate symptoms.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for an elbow injury include advanced age, direct traumas, sudden or abrupt movements, overloads, elbow dislocation, and certain sports activities. If an elbow injury is not adequately treated, it can worsen over time and permanently impair range of motion.
All of these can lead to more pain, inflammation, and muscle weakness, which in some cases can even cause a permanent decrease in mobility and strength in the elbow or increase the risk of developing other complications, such as osteoarthritis.
